Lung Transplant Program

​​​​​Expert Care for Advanced Lung Disease

Baylor Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive multi-specialty transplant centers in the United States. Our lung transplant program offers sophisticated diagnostic testing and innovative therapies for patients with advanced chronic lung disease.

Since performing our first lung transplant in Texas in 1990, our team continues to be a leading force in lung disease treatment and outcomes. Baylor Dallas is not only home to one of the busiest adult extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in North Texas, but also home to the region's only ECMO deployment program.

Baylor Dallas is the top-ranked hospital in North Texas in pulmonology and continues to be ranked as one of America's top hospitals by
U.S. News & World Report. We accept chronic lung disease patients with complex conditions that other centers may deny. In addition, we are actively involved in research to improve outcomes after lung transplantation.

For more information on the Baylor Dallas Lung Transplant Program, call 214.820.6856 or explore the information below.

Center for Advanced Lung Disease

The Center for Advanced Lung Disease provides diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of individuals with chronic lung disease, connective tissue disease, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. We perform advanced diagnostic procedures and highly specialized evaluations for the proper identification and treatment of complex lung disorders. The treatment team including physicians who specialize in advanced lung disease consults together with other medical, surgical and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists to devise a treatment plan that gives hope for our patients to receive the best possible outcome and improved quality of life.

For more information, call 214. 820.6856.​

Diagnosis for Lung Transplant

There are a number of serious lung conditions, in which single or double lung transplant may be the best course of treatment.

Lung Transplant Requirements and Criteria

Our transplant team evaluates patients on a case-by-case basis and focuses on a patient's physiologic age (functional age) an​d overall health for determination of candidacy. Advanced age (over 65 years old) is a risk for shorter survival after lung transplantation—primarily as a consequence of other illnesses. Ordinarily, patients older than 65 are considered for lung transplantation if, with the exception of lung disease, they are otherwise healthy.

Lung Transplant Process

After your doctor refers you to Baylor Dallas for lung disease treatment, you'll undergo a series of tests and counseling to determine if you are a candidate for a lung transplant. The Lung Transplant Selection Committee will review the results to evaluate if you meet the lung transplant requirements. If so, you will be approved and placed on the list for transplant. Once on the waiting list, you'll be assigned a standard
Lung Allocation Score (LAS). Lungs are allocated to recipients according to the lung allocation score, blood type and geographic matching between donor and recipient.

Life After Lung Transplant Surgery

Patients who have undergone lung transplantation report a dramatic improvement in their quality of life. Following recovery from lung surgery, patients no longer require supplemental oxygen and are able to return to an active lifestyle with considerably more independence with their daily lives. On average, full recovery and physical rehabilitation following lung transplantation surgery takes 2-3 months.

In many ways, recipients become dedicated to caring for their new lungs after a lung transplant. There are many new medications that patients must begin taking to prevent rejection and infections; additionally, there are lifestyle changes that patients must adhere to in order to avoid communicable illnesses. Good long-term outcome is significantly impacted by recipient compliance with post-transplant care and vigilance with his or her overall state of health.

Our Team of Lung Transplant Specialists

We performed our first lung transplant in Texas in 1990 and have continued to grow our lung disease treatment expertise and experience. Our team includes:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the lung transplantation waiting list?

The duration a patient may wait for a lung transplant is primarily determined by illness severity—which is calculated as the Lung Allocation Score (LAS). Sicker patients with higher LAS scores are ranked higher on the wait list. Other factors that influence donor compatibility include rare blood types, preformed antibodies and lung size, and may also affect wait times.

Once listed for lung transplantation, you will be followed closely in the transplant clinic and your score will be updated routinely to determine your sequence on the wait list.

Is a single or double lung transplant covered by insurance?

We have a financial coordinator who will help you and your family with financial related questions or concerns regarding your transplant coverage.

Is a lung transplant a possible treatment for cystic fibrosis?

Yes. A single or double lung transplant may be the best course for cystic fibrosis treatment.

Is a lung transplant the right treatment for COPD?

What determines if I get a single lung or double lung transplant?

The use of a single versus double lung transplant involves several factors. Recipient age, type of lung disease, presence of pulmonary hypertension and severity of a patient's illness are the main factors. Donor availability also influences the decision to perform a single lung transplant—as many circumstances of organ donors make only one lung acceptable for transplantation.

In general, older patients do equally well with single lung transplantation as compared to double lung transplantation. In most circumstances for patients younger than 55 years old, a double lung transplant is preferred.

What is the cost for a transplant?

The cost of lung transplantation is ultimately a life-long expense, in a large part due to the daily cost of anti-rejection medications and routine surveillance of the organ's function and well-being. It is essential for patients with chronic lung disease to maintain health insurance

Please Wait

Ask Us a Question

If you may be a candidate for transplantation, Baylor Scott & White Health is here to help you every step of the way. Use this form to submit a question to our transplant team.

Full Name

Phone Number (xxx-xxx-xxxx)

Email Address

Question

Thank you for submitting your question. A member of our transplant team will contact you soon.

Patient Resources and Education

There are a variety of support and educational resources offered through Baylor and outside organizations, which can help patients and their families better understand and cope with lung disease and the transplantation process.